Study Abroad in San José: Academics

The academic program is comprised of Intensive Spanish language courses, each of which lasts 4 weeks; 80 contact hours. These Intensive language courses run Monday to Friday from 8 to 12 midday. Students may also enroll in afternoon elective courses taught in English plus advanced literature and linguistic courses taught in Spanish. These courses meet twice a week for a 12-week period and complete either 48 or 60 contact hours depending on the course.

Previous Spanish language study is not required. Students may choose to take a combination of Intensive Spanish language morning courses and afternoon elective courses according to their program structure. Students enrolled in the 12-week program may take a total of 4 courses, and students in the 16-week/17-week program may take a total of 5 courses. Students may take one of their electives in environmental studies for a $135 supplement. AIFS students must have at least two years of college-level Spanish and must pass a placement test for the advanced level in order to take regular art and design University courses with Costa Rican students (and must enroll in the regular 16 week term).

Each Intensive Spanish language course meets for 4 weeks. Exams are taken every two weeks. If a student passes the course, he/she may register for the next level (additional fees may apply). Electives meet for 12 weeks, so students in the 16-week/17-week program will have only intensive Spanish language classes during the last month. Classes meet for 50-minute sessions.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory and students are only allowed to have one excused absence. If a student is absent more than one day he/she will automatically fail the course and lose the academic credits.

Transcripts

Transcripts are issued by Veritas University.

Student advising

The Resident Director provides academic advice and serves as a liaison between students and the University.

Textbooks

Students can expect to spend around $50 per semester for textbooks and course supplies.

Grading/Assessment

Grades are based on tests taken at the end of the semester depending on course selection. No student is permitted to take a course without receiving a letter grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not allowed.

Computer facilities

Computer access is available at the University library computer laboratory and wireless is available on campus. There are also plenty of high speed internet cafés in San José. Online rates at internet cafés are about $2 per hour. Some also offer printing, scanning and faxing services.

Internships

Internships provide students with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience within a relevant organization while completing their studies. They are unpaid positions with companies near the University or located in the Central Valley, a bus ride away. Students are placed in positions related to their major and/or interests and are assessed by meetings, journal, reports and a presentation.

The internship is worth 4-6 credits. Students are required to work 30-40 hours per week for two months, under the direction of a workplace supervisor and generally will work on a specific project within the organization. Depending on their level of Spanish, students can either participate in one Spanish course and 3 months of internship or 2 Spanish courses and 2 months of internship to build up a full-time course load. Students who wish to participate in the Internship Program must be enrolled in the 16-week/17-week program.

Students accepted into the Internship program must have a GPA of 2.6. and be 20 years of age by the start of the internship. The student should have at least 2 years of study in the area requested for placement.

Past internship placements have covered the following areas:

  • Advertising Design
  • Animal Science or Veterinary
  • Archaeology (Administration, Museology)
  • Arts (Teaching, Museology)
  • Communication Science (Journalism, Radio, TV)
  • Cooperatives
  • Economic Sciences (Administration, Marketing)
  • Education (English teaching)
  • Engineering (Civil, Electric, Social Service)
  • Environmental Science (Biology, Ecology, Conservation, Administration, Education)
  • Tourism (Hotel Management, Field Trips, Services)

Please note that all students interested in doing an internship will need to submit a letter of Intent to Veritas University, expressing interest in a particular placement. The final selection is always at the discretion of the organization. More details are available on request from the AIFS Admissions Officer.